CRD Integrated Water Services, in consultation with Island Health, advises that the residents of the following area should continue to BOIL their drinking water until further notice: All properties on the Lyall Harbour Boot Cove Water System on Saturna Island. Read more >>

In response to a region-wide desire for coordinated, sustainable transportation, the CRD Board approved the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) on August 13, 2014. The RTP aims to improve mobility between communities, expand the range of accessible and affordable transportation choices, and support regional sustainability.

Aligned with Regional Growth Strategy principles, the RTP will coordinate future growth with an efficient transportation network to move people throughout the region. Identifying regional transportation priorities as well as new options for governance and funding will inform decisions on roads, rail, bridges, bike lanes and trails.

Overview

At the core of the plan is the identification of a Regional Multi-Modal Transportation Network that will connect mobility centres and give travellers more transportation choices. Developed in collaboration with all 13 municipalities, three electoral areas, BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation, the RTP will guide the planning and development of a multi-modal transportation system that meets future growth with a focus on sustainability.

The plan is based on the following seven principles:

Coordinated and engaged approach to local and regional planning

Reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector

Integrated transportation and land use planning

Capitalized potential for alternatives to driving alone

Enhanced role for public transit

Maximized efficiency of existing transportation corridors for all modes

Prioritized strategic investments that serve regional mobility needs

Developing the Plan

The RTP was developed in six phases. Each phase included review and input by a Technical Advisory Committee (RTP-TAC) consisting of transportation planning professionals from municipalities and provincial agencies. The TAC provided a means for these organizations to participate in and contribute to overall RTP development.

Phase 1 – Issues and Opportunities Identification

This will be a thorough review of past, persistent and emerging issues, as well as identification of opportunities related to transportation planning and investment at the regional scale.

Phase 3 – Foundation Document

The Foundation Document is the core of the RTP and will consist of at least five function areas which are the key components of the multimodal regional transportation system. The five function areas include:

Phase 4 - Governance Options

Key issues likely to arise in Phase 1 of the RTP are the CRD’s lack of authority and resources to define, fund and implement regional transportation priorities, and the current fragmentation of responsibility for the regional transportation system amongst various local and provincial jurisdictions. Building on Phases 1 to 3, Phase 4 will examine governance options available to the region to optimally achieve the Vision, goals, objectives and policies of a sustainable regional transportation system.

Review of Transit and Transportation Governance in the CRD

The CRD Board has recommended a review of current transit and transportation governance and an examination of the CRD's responsibility for public transit and other transportation services. One possibility would be for the CRD Board to assume the responsibilities of the Victoria Regional Transit Commission, and increase collaboration and leadership on major transportation decisions that impact the region.

Phase 5 – Funding Strategy

Currently, regional transportation planning and investment decisions are made by various jurisdictions, often in isolation from each other, and with funding coming from many different Federal, provincial and local sources. The Funding Strategy will follow from the recommended governance option identified in Phase 4 to assess how these sources can be consolidated to more effectively address the regional transportation priorities identified in Phase 3.

Phase 6 – Implementation and Investment Plan

Once a governance structure and funding strategy have been established, a RTP Implementation and Investment plan can be developed. Building on the regional policies and priorities established in Phase 3 and the governance and funding models established in Phases 4 and 5, Phase 6 will identify key actions, roles and responsibilities over a 10 year planning horizon.

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What is the CRD?

The Capital Regional District (CRD) is the regional government for 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, serving more than 392,000 citizens. Guided by its Board, the CRD works collaboratively to create a sustainable, livable and vibrant region. Read more >>